LS polls: CPI(M) JK throws support behind INDIA bloc

Anantnag, Apr 15: The Communist Party of India – CPI(M) JK on Monday announced its support for the INDIA bloc in two seats of Jammu and the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in Kashmir.
The party’s State General Secretary, Ghulam Nabi Malik addressed a press conference in Anantnag alongside senior party members, including Mohd Afzal Parray and Abass Rather.
He said that in the two seats of Jammu, they will support Congress and in the Anantnag Rajouri seat, they will support the National Conference (NC)
“We have decided to support the INDIA block, with the primary goal of preventing the BJP from winning any seat in J&K. We urge our voters to cast their ballots in favour of the INDIA alliance.”
Parray said that in Kashmir, they have thrown their support behind the National Conference (NC) candidate for the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency. “This constituency now includes two more districts – Rajouri and Poonch – and we must consider their aspirations. The BJP’s delimitation of the seat had divisive intentions. To counter this, we must vote for candidates who prioritize the people’s interests,” he added.
Abass Rather, State Committee Member of CPIM, told Rising Kashmir that supporting the NC in the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary seat was in the best interest of the people.
“Our aim is to keep the BJP at bay and ensure victory for the INDIA block candidate. We made this decision after consulting with the CPI(M) cadre in Kashmir,” he said.
Rather said they support the NC because they have significant influence and are part of the INDIA block. At the national level, he said the CPI(M )has pledged to support the autonomous status under 370 and protect the rights of J&K residents.
The CPI(M) JK’s support is driven by a commitment to the public good, not political gain, he said, adding, “Our objective is to defeat the BJP convincingly.”